The Fort Lee Democratic Organization is interviewing candidates and will forward three names to the council, which is expected to appoint the new official on Sept. 11. That person will serve as an appointee until November, when voters will elect three council members. The person the council appoints may or may not appear on November's ballot.

Goldberg, who was reelected last year, will report directly to the borough administrator in his new role, which pays $69,000 per year. The position entails reviewing the borough's expenses, identifying ways to streamline services and operate more efficiently, and developing mechanisms to ensure that fees owed to the borough are collected. Fort Lee is owed more than $1 million in overdue court fees alone, Borough Administrator Al Restaino said.

The money to fund the new position was previously set aside and will be coming out of the budget of the borough administrator's office, Restaino said. Goldberg said Friday that he will not be receiving health benefits through the borough.

Both Restaino and elected officials said Goldberg's 30-plus years in the financial industry will serve him well in the new position. Councilman Armand Pohan credited him for finding ways to save the borough hundreds of thousands of dollars in insurance billing for ambulances. Goldberg was the council liaison to the ambulance corps and the police and recreation departments.

He served on the council from 1997 to 2002 and returned to office in 2008. He said he has no plans to run again.

"It's time for new people," said Goldberg, a 26-year borough resident. "This [new position is] also good because I get to do something that needs to be done and I have an expertise in."

He added: "I'm looking forward to a new chapter and serving the people of Fort Lee."

His replacement on the council, meanwhile, will be determined in the next few weeks. When a council seat opens up, the vacating member's local political party — in this case the Fort Lee Democratic Organization — has 15 days from the date of the vacancy to forward three names of interested candidates to the mayor and council. The governing body then has another 15 days to make an appointment. Goldberg submitted his resignation letter late last week, officials said.

Councilman Joseph Cervieri, who heads the local Democratic group, said a committee has interviewed two candidates and plans to conclude remaining interviews by Tuesday. Those interested in being nominated should send a brief letter and résumé to cervierijl@msn.com.